Short Line Railroads Gain Boost from Expanded Tax Credits

Short Line Railroads Gain Boost from Expanded Tax Credits

The American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) welcomes the Senate's proposed legislation to improve the short line railroad tax credit. The bill aims to incentivize infrastructure investment by short line railroads, driving modernization and economic development. It achieves this by increasing the credit cap, covering all mileage, and introducing an inflation index, aligning the credit more closely with actual costs. These changes will encourage railroads to invest in crucial infrastructure upgrades, leading to a more efficient and robust rail network.

01/30/2026 Logistics
Read More
Tonga Customs Adopts Wcobacked Digital Clearance System

Tonga Customs Adopts Wcobacked Digital Clearance System

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a Post Clearance Audit (PCA) diagnostic mission in Tonga to help Tonga Customs optimize processes and improve trade facilitation. Through a comprehensive internal and external assessment, the WCO expert team provided strong support for Tonga Customs' modernization efforts, envisioning a future of smart customs clearance. The mission aimed to identify areas for improvement in PCA implementation and contribute to enhanced efficiency and effectiveness of customs operations in Tonga, ultimately boosting trade and economic growth.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO Tool Boosts Risk Management for Jordan Customs

WCO Tool Boosts Risk Management for Jordan Customs

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a diagnostic assessment of Jordan Customs' risk management capabilities to support its efforts in enhancing risk management. The assessment covered four key areas: risk management policies, strategic planning, intelligence, and compliance, providing recommendations for improvement. The WCO's new diagnostic tool was piloted during this mission, offering valuable lessons for other customs administrations seeking modernization. Jordan Customs will develop an action plan based on the assessment findings, and the WCO will continue to provide support to its implementation.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Malawi Strengthens Customs Controls to Boost Trade Efficiency

Malawi Strengthens Customs Controls to Boost Trade Efficiency

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a diagnostic assessment of Malawi Customs' risk management processes to support Malawi's customs modernization reforms under the Trade Facilitation Agreement. The assessment identified shortcomings in Malawi Customs' risk management practices and provided recommendations for improvement. The WCO will continue to collaborate with Malawi to advance its trade facilitation agenda. The assessment highlights the need for enhanced risk profiling, improved data analysis, and strengthened cooperation between customs and other agencies to effectively manage risks and facilitate legitimate trade.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCOWACAM Project Boosts Customs HRM in West and Central Africa

WCOWACAM Project Boosts Customs HRM in West and Central Africa

WCO, in collaboration with WACAM, is developing customs HRM experts in West and Central Africa to enhance management capabilities. Through training and practical exercises, the initiative aims to build a regional think tank, fostering customs modernization. This partnership strengthens regional cooperation and promotes efficient customs practices, ultimately contributing to improved trade facilitation and economic development within the region. The focus is on equipping customs officials with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively manage human resources and implement modern customs procedures.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO Enhances African Customs Risk Management Against Illegal Wildlife Trade

WCO Enhances African Customs Risk Management Against Illegal Wildlife Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through the "Trade Facilitation and Customs Modernization Programme for Sustainable Development in Sub-Saharan Africa," supports Customs administrations and national environmental agencies in the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC). The program develops risk indicators for goods and substances controlled by the Montreal Protocol and the Basel Convention. This aims to combat the illegal cross-border movement and trade of hazardous waste, thus maintaining the sustainability of the global environment.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Lesotho Revenue Authority Advances Operational Excellence in Strategic Retreat

Lesotho Revenue Authority Advances Operational Excellence in Strategic Retreat

The Lesotho Revenue Authority (LRA) successfully held a high-level strategic retreat to clarify strategic priorities, enhance leadership, and accelerate reform and modernization. The World Customs Organization, the World Bank, and the Finnish Customs Cooperation Fund provided support. The retreat strengthened the management team's cohesion and provided clear direction for the organization's future development. Key focus areas included improving tax administration, fostering effective leadership, and driving strategic growth initiatives to enhance the LRA's overall performance and contribution to Lesotho's economic development.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Ghana Modernizes Customs with WCO Assistance

Ghana Modernizes Customs with WCO Assistance

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through the WACAM project, supports the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) in enhancing stakeholder engagement to foster a more transparent and efficient tax environment. Through training and pilot consultative committee meetings, the GRA strengthens its connections with businesses and the public, collaboratively addressing issues and improving service quality. This process culminates in an action plan to drive customs modernization. The initiative aims to build trust and cooperation, leading to a more effective and responsive customs administration in Ghana.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Belize Customs Boosts Training with WCO Assistance

Belize Customs Boosts Training with WCO Assistance

The World Customs Organization (WCO) assisted the Belize Customs and Excise Department (CED) in its human resources reform and modernization efforts. Through workshops, CED senior management analyzed existing strategies and business plans, developing a human resources strategy, development plan, and training calendar. These initiatives aim to enhance CED's human resources management capabilities to meet the evolving challenges of global trade and promote economic development in Belize. The collaboration underscores the importance of international cooperation in strengthening customs administrations and fostering efficient trade practices.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Changchun Expo 2026 to Highlight Smart Farming Rural Growth

Changchun Expo 2026 to Highlight Smart Farming Rural Growth

The 2026 Changchun Agricultural Expo, themed "Developing Smart Agriculture, Leading Industrial Development, Enhancing Trading Functions, and Contributing to Rural Revitalization," will comprehensively showcase high-tech agricultural achievements through three major sections: brand display, facility equipment, industrial demonstration, and science education. It aims to build an agricultural product trading platform, promote high-quality agricultural development, and create a first-class modern agricultural expo park. The expo will highlight advancements in smart agriculture and its role in driving rural economic growth and modernization.

02/05/2026 Logistics
Read More